ENG vs IND 2018, 1st T20I: The Conditions Felt Just Like Home - Kuldeep Yadav

Kuldeep Yadav took a five-for to laid the platform for India before KL Rahul took the game away from England in the first T20I at Old Trafford in Manchester. The unorthodox spinner completed his maiden five-wicket haul in the shortest format of the game.

Rahul storm hit Manchester

Rahul is bound to achieve massive heights as a batsman, and the batting display radiating from his willow in Manchester was just a treat to the eyes. The Kings XI Punjab opener put on a show of unparalleled masterclass, to decimate England. Chasing a moderate 160, India didn’t have any hiccups in the run chase.

Thanks to a free-flowing unbeaten 101 from just 54 deliveries from Rahul, India got home with ten balls to spare and took a 1-0 lead in the three-match episode.

Early in the day, it was another individual from K who stole the show – Kuldeep Yadav. The chinaman broke England’s spine, as his five-for derailed the batting lineup.

Kuldeep Yadav’s five-for put England under notice

Kuldeep’s triple wicket over changed the complexion of the game altogether, as he was just too hot to handle for the hosts.

The UP spinner was named the Man of the Match for his career-best figures, and Kuldeep seemed quite elated with his efforts. Yadav admitted he was helped by the fact that the conditions at Old Trafford, were quite similar to that of home.

“My first tour in England, things are going very well. Perfect conditions. It felt like home conditions,” said Kuldeep.

“The wicket was dry, good to bat on. When I bowled my first over, I felt like it would turn. It’s important if you’re bowling the wrong one, it should be in the perfect area,” Yadav said.

“We’ve got two legends (Kohli and MSD), and they’re very supportive. It’s just the start of my first tour in England. Hopefully, in the next match we’ll do the same thing,” he concluded.